Omur

Omur is the Turkish term for a vertebra, the individual bone that forms part of the spine. In human anatomy, an omur supports weight, protects the spinal cord, and participates in the joints that allow spinal movement. Each vertebra connects with adjacent vertebrae to create the vertebral column, or spine.

An omur typically consists of a thick anterior body that bears load and a posterior vertebral arch that surrounds the spinal canal. The arch bears several projections for muscle attachment and articulation: a spinous process at the back, transverse processes on the sides, and superior and inferior articular processes that form joints with neighboring vertebrae. The vertebral foramen, located between the body and the arch, forms part of the vertebral canal through which the spinal cord and nerves pass.

Humans usually have 33 vertebrae, though the exact number can vary due to developmental differences. The standard counts are seven cervical, twelve thoracic, and five lumbar vertebrae, with five sacral vertebrae and four coccygeal vertebrae that are typically fused in adulthood. Variations include transitional vertebrae and congenital anomalies, which can affect spinal curvature and nerve function.

In Turkish-language medical literature, omur is used to denote an individual vertebra, while the term omurga refers to the spine as a whole. The English equivalent is vertebra, and omurlar is the plural form. The study of vertebrae is central to orthopedics, neurology, and anatomy.